Thread by @opinion

After a difficult year when many grandparents didn't see their grandchildren, some are considering moving closer to family.

But should the emotional pull of being near loved ones always win out over the practical considerations of such a big decision? trib.al/OTvww3I

First, consider the research on retiree satisfaction. The top drivers of satisfaction include:

♥️Partners
🫂Friends
🩺Good health

Interestingly, spending time with grandchildren is not among the leading factors contributing to retiree happiness trib.al/OTvww3I

If you’re a grandparent who is...

✅Single
✅Younger
✅Educated
✅Wealthy

You are the most likely to move to be near grandchildren and report high degrees of satisfaction trib.al/OTvww3I

Also, think about the quality of the relationship you have with your child and partner, if they have one.

Have a serious heart to heart conversation about how you envision being nearer to each other playing out trib.al/OTvww3I

Establish what kind of boundaries would be in place:

➡️Would they want you to assist with childcare?
➡️If so, would it be a regular or sporadic thing?
➡️What is your comfort level with these potential arrangements?
trib.al/OTvww3I

Weigh the financial considerations, too. Moving is a major financial expense.

Selling a house requires a lump sum payment to a real estate agent and moving costs trib.al/OTvww3I

Don’t move without serious budget projections.

The housing market is tilted to sellers right now, so while you may reap big gains, you may be hard pressed to find something affordable in the new locale trib.al/OTvww3I

And think about whether where they live is where you ultimately want to be, apart from your grandchildren.

Does the area promote your health, your friendships and let you pursue your interests? trib.al/OTvww3I

Don't forget, your adult children could potentially move too for a job or life change. Imagine if that were to happen a year after you relocated.

Would you follow them? trib.al/OTvww3I

Instead of making a big change all at once, try it out slowly:

🏘️Rent in the new location
🤝See if you make new friends
🌳Try to have a healthy lifestyle
⚕️Investigate the health-care options

It's important to see how life is not just in vacation mode
trib.al/OTvww3I

Lastly, some of the best ways to imagine a new life is to talk to others who have made a similar decision.

Talk to people you know who have done it, along with those who have stayed put. FaceTime may not be so bad after all trib.al/OTvww3I